director
drenda carlson
from the
substance use among their peers.
adults accountable for allowing
outh Connections
One of the most successful
has a vision to
events occurred over the Martin
empower youth and
Luther King holiday weekend
is advocating the passage of
their property. Their testimony
promote positive
when four teen bands and two
several bills during the 2011
was heart-felt and passionate
youth development.
solo acts performed at the
Legislative session which will aid
when the teens articulated the
Music Splash.
in creating a healthier and safer
need for this law. Legislators
environment for youth to grow
applauded the strength of
So what does that mean anyway?
The young talent showcased
Over the past three months,
In addition, Youth Connections
minors to consume alcohol on
Youth Connections, in partnership
that evening was an incredible
and thrive. We have informed,
character shown by the teens
with the Montana National Guard,
inspiration for all youth to seek
encouraged and empowered
through citizen participation in
has empowered eight high school
out and develop their talents. Due
several local youth to participate
the law making process.
students from the tri-county area
to the dedication and motivation
in the law making process.
to raise money to cover expenses
of the students and other
for travel to Washington, DC,
volunteers, this event brought
as a panel in front of the Law and
for youth to have a voice, to build
for the Community Anti-Drug
in over $750. We appreciate all
Justice Interim Committee seeking
skills and to make a difference
Coalition of America (CADCA)
the support given to this group
to draft bills to strengthen DUI
in their communities. We are
National Youth Leadership
in time and resources to ensure
laws. Recently, youth from the
extraordinarily impressed with
Institute. With our support, eight
a successful experience. Upon
western part of Montana joined
the level of passion and action we
youth and three adult advisors
return from the National Youth
youth from the tri-county area
have seen this past year from our
raised over $16,000. The teens
Leadership Institute, these
to testify in support of draft
local youth. Youth Connections
developed a fundraising plan to
students will be empowered to
legislation which would allow
is proud to have the opportunity
include business sponsorships,
make a significant difference in
counties the authority to pass
to work so closely with such
raffles, food sales and events.
their local schools preventing
social host ordinances holding
outstanding young leaders. ■
Last summer four teens spoke
Youth empowerment to us means providing opportunities
UrgentCare-Plus.com
DRENDA CARLSON, Director email: dcarlson@helena.k12.mt.us phone: (406) 324-1032 Helena Middle School, Room 210
2
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MARCH 2011
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